Jays sign LHP Aaron Laffey

Let the dumpster diving begin!

The Blue Jays signed “soft-tossing-lefty” Aaron Laffey to a split contract yesterday. Laffey, 26, was non-tendered by the Royals earlier this month.

According to mlbtraderumors.com, Laffey rejected an offer from the Royals in order to pursue a job as a starter. Apparently, three teams offered Laffey a chance to compete for a rotation spot and he decided the Jays gave him the best opportunity.

Last season with the Yankees and Mariners Laffey posted a line of: 47 G/ 53.1 Inn./ 3.88 ERA/ 1.65 WHIP/ 4.96 FIP/ 5.06 K/9/ 3.54/ BB/9

His career line is: 126 G/ 373.2 Inn./ 4.34 ERA/ 1.54 WHIP/ 4.49 FIP/ 4.46 K/9/ 3.59/ BB/9

Bill James projects a 2012 line of: 43 G/ 46 Inn./ 5.28 ERA/ 1.65 WHIP/ 4.36 FIP/ 5.09 K/9 4.30 BB/9

Laffey is an extreme long shot for the Jays 5th starter role. He has nowhere near the stuff or upside of Drabek, McGowan or Cecil. I think he is bullpen or AAA depth, with the ability to start if the rotation is obliterated by injuries.

But stranger things have happened… Over the last two seasons we have seen the likes of Dana Eveland and Jo Jo Reyes at the back end of the Jays rotation. A king’s ransom worth of pitching prospects are moving through the Jays farm system, so it shouldn’t be long until these types of deals are unnecessary.

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